Erie County urges NY to go forward with 'open road tolling'

Fri, Oct 28th 2016 11:05 am

The Erie County
Legislature's Majority Caucus unanimously approved a resolution in support of
upgrading the entire New York State Thruway system to electronic tolls, which
would allow motorists to pass through more easily. Cars and trucks would be
tolled through a high-speed EZ-Pass system that doesn't require stopping.

"The traditional
toll plazas in the Greater Buffalo region have been a topic of conversation for
several years as they have caused various issues for motorists and residents.
The Erie County Legislature supports upgrading our region's toll plaza to
electronic tolls to virtually eliminate delays and reduce pollution," said
Legislator Edward A. Rath, R-Amherst. "The area around the Williamsville toll
booth will especially benefit from this change as it has been a trouble spot
for years."

Recently, New York
state announced that it will begin the conversion to 100 percent electronic
tolling for several bridges and tunnels in the New York City area. The Erie
County Legislature supports expanding this project and outfitting toll plazas
in the Buffalo region with the same technology.

"The legislature
wants to see the current upgrades planned for the New York City region brought to
Western New York. I encourage the Thruway Authority to take the necessary steps
to install electronic tolling here so that our roadways can improve thanks to
the advantages of open road tolling," said Legislator Kevin Hardwick, who
represents Grand Island in the Erie County Legislature. "I know the residents
in my district, especially those living or working on Grand Island, would
welcome this improvement as soon as possible as the bridge toll barriers often
cause significant delays."

"During peak traffic
times, the Lackawanna Toll Barrier can be a nightmare, even with multiple
booths open. The electronic tolling would allow cars and trucks to pass through
easily, eliminating noise and pollution concerns that plague that area. Most of
us have dealt with the headaches associated with today's method for toll-taking
and would all benefit from the upgrade," added Legislator Lynne Dixon.

The resolution was
also cosponsored by Chairman John Mills, Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo and
Legislator Ted Morton and approved 11-0. Copies of the resolution will be sent
to the Western New York delegations for the New York State Senate and Assembly,
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, the office of the Director of the New York State
Department of Transportation.